Public Assistance Fraud, also known as welfare fraud, is a serious felony crime in the State of Florida. If you are charged with this crime, you are facing a third degree felony offense, punishable by up to five (5) years in Florida State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. To prove this crime, […]
In Tampa, Florida, Petit Theft is governed by Statute 812.014, which states: “A person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently: (a) Deprive the other person of a right to the property or a […]
In Florida, engaging in or supporting street racing—also called highway racing—is a criminal offense under Florida Statute 316.191. The law is broad and applies not only to drivers, but also to passengers, coordinators, and even spectators involved in unauthorized racing activity on public roads or parking lots. What Activities Are Prohibited by Florida’s Street Racing […]
In the State of Florida it is illegal to contract work or act as a contract without a valid, state issued contractor’s license. Initial convictions for this crime are misdemeanors; however if you have priors the charge may be upgraded to a felony offense. Florida Statute 489.127 governs contracting without a license. According to the […]
As of July 1, 2014 it is illegal for anyone to sell a nicotine dispensing device (AKA, an electronic cigarette) to a minor. This is a second degree misdemeanor offense; however a third conviction becomes a first degree misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $1000. There are […]
Did you know: in Florida, the sale of fireworks to the public is illegal; however there is an exemption for agricultural use which allows for sale of fireworks to the public so long as they are going to be used for “explosive pest control?” Sellers are not required to confirm what the fireworks will be […]
If you have been assigned to a division in Hillsborough County, you may be wondering what Judge will be handling your case. The division assignments do rotate occasionally. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you can tell which Judge you are assigned to by last name. As of June 30, 2014, the assignments are: […]
Possession of a firearm, ammunition, or any electronic weapon after being convicted of a felony is a serious crime under both Florida and federal law. If you’ve been charged with firearm possession, you need an experienced gun crime defense lawyer who understands how to challenge both the facts and the legal basis of your arrest. […]
The US Marshal Services has intervened in a dispute between the Sarasota Police Department and the ACLU. The Florida Chapter of the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the Sarasota Police Department in an effort to compel the department to turn over records of the “Stingray” devices that the department is using to collect information from […]
Under Florida Statute 790.01, “A person who carries a concealed weapon or electric weapon or device on or about his person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree” and “A person who carries a concealed firearm on or about his person commits a felony of the third degree.” A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by […]